paulj, paulj vs. shotgun, bass, 12/10/10

[paulj]

I fished the frostbite open today and never expected what happened to happen. First of all I am a hunter and have absolutely no problem with people hunting. I sat the boat down this morning at my first spot turned off my motor and was about to get up and start fishing when i heard someone yelling and cussing at me. I turned to look and heard two shots. one of the shots went over my head and landed on the bank not far from me. If the guys had asked me nicely instead of cussing me and shooting next to me i would have turned around and left. When I am fishing the chick this time of year getting ready for a tournament i prefish where there are no duck blinds and where i do not expect to be around duck hunters. This all happened in a slough next to the walking track in harrison bay state park. The hunters where hunting 30 yards from the walking track in harrison bay state park. Anyways I was kind of suprised they where hunting there. Since these guys where so rude i got on up and put the trolling motor down and started to fish when i heard another shot. This time the pellets landed 5 yards in front of the trolling motor. Neither time was there a duck anywhere around. Instead of beating these guys I called the sherrifs department who had the game warden call me. I explained to him what had happened and he told me even if the pellets peppered me there was nothing he could do because it was duck season. I am not a lawyer or a game warden so I dont know the laws regarding this. I am concerned about the way this particular game warden is handled this situation. I remember when I took my hunter safety course one of the main things was never shoot at anything unless you know whats on the other side. These dudes could have atleast used a refresher course. I could see those guys shooting towards the wrong person in that situation and someone end up injured or dead. I am also concerned about someone hunting in that slough so close to the walking track. If there is someone in there walking next to those guys and they shoot it could turn someone who might favor hunting and guns or might not care, against hunting and guns. Anyways, if you see a red, black, and white skeeter with a 6'6" 260lb guy in please do not shoot at me because i might not be so nice next time.

 

[Treed1]

WOW

 

[dlmille]

Call HBSP and TWRA. I worked as a Ranger at HBSP for 5 years and shooting that close to someone is know under Tennessee Law is Reckless Endangerment. They will hunt that spot again and it will be easy to catch them. File a report.

 

[EodBuddyLee]

I would have taken any of these shots as a threat and claimed "I was in fear of my life". I always carry and would have found it hard not to find these A*&HOLES. I’m fresh out of the military so maybe I’m a little gun shy but if you shot at me I’m going to take action. If the first game warden you call doesn't want to pursue such a reckless individual call the next. I guarantee if you call their supervisor or LT/ Capt. then it will get plenty of attention.

 

[KYBoy]

I'm really sorry to hear this I am avid duck hunter and would like to appoligies for these morons. Any decent duck hunter would have let you know they where there and waited for you to fish through without a problem. As for the hunting that close to the walking track the hunters should not have been there no matter how many ducks where there when they scouted. Whit socity the way it is we need everyperson doing the right things to help with the publics perseption of hunters/fishermen. Guys like these have no resect for others that use that area of harrison bay. I have not hunted on the chick yet tis season but you will not have a problem with me or any of the guys I hunt with me, we to like to fish in that area. Again I am truely sorry these so called duck hunters acted this way and hope this does not happen again.

 

[elwestb]

I'm an Ex Duck hunter. I now fish all year round. These guys were just stupid! First off, I have been on both sides of that fence. I've had fishermen run in and sit their boat down in front of my decoys and really didn't seem to care! I have also trolled in fishing or run up on hunters with decs out and didn't realize it until I was in too close. But first off, normally the hunter will wave at you to show themselves, duh! And normally, I will wave back and leave! No problem! I also carry. Always! If they had shot over me, or peppered me, I probably would had touched off a round way up in the air myself, just to let them know not to shoot again! I then would have left and called the authorities.

 

[birdiekiller]

Paulj,

Just curious. Were the guys hunting out of a boat? The rules for duck hunting that area is that your feet have to be touching the water or you have to be in a boat.

 

[paulj]

these guys where hunting on the bank. I did not think you could hunt in this area. I just thought contacting the authorities would be the best move. I did what I thought was right but i think it was too cold for him to come out. I guess i expect better from people in that position.

 

[GAfisherman]

Im a duck hunter and fisherman and I would like to apoligize for those idiots. Thats what makes finding hunting spots hard. People give us all a bad name.

 

[paulj]

Noone has to apologize for people like that. I have never had a problem like that before. When i deer hunt it is frustrating to get out there before daylight and have someone walk in on you so i try to give duck hunters the same respect. The guys that done this are the type that give us hunters a bad name. My biggest concern in this whole situation is that the game warden I spoke to did not seem to care so if this same couple of guys does this same thing again to someone else the next guy might no take it like i did and take the law into their own hands and shoot back.

 

[Todd 450r]

That's crazy! Can't believe someone would make a shot like that, upset or not, there is no excuse. Just a mishandling of the situation from beginning to end on the hunters' part.

 

[paulj]

I talked with harrison bay state park supervisor this morning and he told me that noone can hunt on the bank in harrison bay state park. You can hunt either standing in the water or from a boat in those areas.
paulj

 

[Strato-G]

Had a situation @ Old Hickory opening day for goose hunt. Pulled up on bank to fish, about 80--90 yards from the blind. Was told by the hunters we had to maintain 100 yard distance from blind. Had never heard this rule, emoScratch , anyway we left as they were armed & I wanted to fish inlieu of being in jail, court & all that is not worth a good fishing trip. Contacted TWRA in Nashville, no such ruling, its all about courtesy & sportsmanship. Some have it & some don't, all I got to say bout that
emoBadLanguage emoTskTsk . I generally stay my distance if can identify the blinds , sometimes @ Guntersville around the islands it is hard to see blinds and will troll up from wrong side. If a unexpected round is fired I am subject to get wet from jumping off boat, still have the combat reflex to cover & return emoEnforce . ..

Best to avoid if possible, good day............ emoUSA emoGeezer